FIFA and Global Citizen have announced that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. The groundbreaking performance, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, is set to blend football, music, and social impact on one of the world's largest stages. The show will be broadcast live globally, bringing together millions of fans as the FIFA World Cup reaches its climax in the United States.
Humanitarian Purpose
Beyond the spectacle, the halftime show will serve a larger humanitarian purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising USD 100 million to improve access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Organizers confirmed that more than USD 30 million has already been secured, while USD 1 from every ticket sold for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will contribute toward social development projects across the globe.
FIFA President's Statement
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the collaboration as a historic celebration of unity and shared humanity. He said Madonna, Shakira, and BTS represent artists whose influence transcends borders and generations, making them ideal ambassadors for an event designed to combine sport, culture, and global impact.
Family-Friendly Elements
Adding a family-friendly and educational dimension to the event, beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also participate in the halftime show, reinforcing the campaign's focus on children's learning and development. The production is being led by Global Citizen in collaboration with Live Nation and Done + Dusted.
Artists' Perspectives
In a promotional short film unveiling the lineup, Chris Martin described the event as a celebration centered on togetherness and inclusivity. Madonna said performing at the World Cup final in support of children's education carries deep personal significance, emphasizing that education creates opportunity and long-term change for future generations. Shakira, who also serves as a board member of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, said the event unites her lifelong passions for music and education. She revealed she will perform "Dai Dai," a song created specifically for the FIFA World Cup and the campaign supporting children around the world. Members of BTS said music has the power to inspire hope and harmony across cultures, adding that they were honored to use the global stage of the World Cup to advocate for educational access.
Grant Recipients and Advisory Board
Earlier this week, FIFA and Global Citizen also announced the first group of grant recipients under the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting education and football-based community programs in 10 countries. The advisory board for the initiative includes high-profile figures such as Hugh Jackman, Serena Williams, Kaká, The Weeknd, and Ivanka Trump.
